Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem

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The Princess Royal has attended events in The Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, part of Operation Market Garden.

The Princess Royal in Arnhem

Operation Market Garden was the largest airborne assault in history and one of the boldest Allied operations of the Second World War.

The Battle of Arnhem was an Allied plan to force a route into Germany from the Netherlands during World War Two, with the battle taking place between 17th and 25th September 1944.

Nearly 2,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers lost their lives. Over the weekend, members of the UK Armed Forces have taken part in commemorations to thank surviving Veterans and remember those who died during the Battle.

The Princess Royal speaks at Arnhem80 commemorations

At Airborne Museum Hartenstein, Her Royal Highness attended a commemorative reception, which featured a parachute display by The Red Devils. In her speech, The Princess honoured the bravery and sacrifice of British, Dutch, and Allied troops.

The Princess Royal lays a wreath at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery,

As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, The Princess also attended a service at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, where she joined veterans, Armed Forces personnel, and the public in remembering those who served and lost their lives. Her Royal Highness placed a wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice. The Order of Service remains unchanged since the first Airborne Memorial Service took place in 1945

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